A Hollister fire inspector believes that uncontained wire
splices caused the blaze March 2 that destroyed a single-story
duplex on Hawkins Street. The fire in the 400 block of Hawkins
Street likely originated in the attic and was ignited by four or
five blown fuses.
HOLLISTER
A Hollister fire inspector believes that uncontained wire splices caused the blaze March 2 that destroyed a single-story duplex on Hawkins Street.
The fire in the 400 block of Hawkins Street likely originated in the attic and was ignited by four or five blown fuses, fire Capt. Mike O’Connor said.
The blaze destroyed the duplex, while fire crews were forced to battle it from the outside due to fallen power lines and a collapsing roof.
O’Connor said inspectors discovered the blown fuses and he noted how there were several wire splices left uncovered by junction boxes – which generally are metal with a lid and help prevent such a disaster. He believes it was the result of improper wiring when the second unit was added on.
“If they don’t put it in a junction box, and if it does short out, it can get into the roof and burn,” he said.
There were two residents in the front unit and four in the back, and some told investigators they had smelled something burning and noticed lights flickering before realizing the house was on fire, O’Connor said.
